Living with diabetes means regular health checks are essential to prevent serious complications, including foot problems, kidney disease, eye damage, heart disease, and stroke. For residents across the Cotswolds, Gloucester, Oxford, Cirencester, and Cheltenham, knowing what to expect from your diabetes care can make a huge difference.
What Health Checks Should You Get?
Your annual diabetes review is more than just a routine appointment. You should be offered:
- Blood tests for HbA1c, cholesterol, and kidney function
- Urine test for early signs of kidney disease
- Foot check (essential to detect neuropathy or ulcers)
- Weight, height, and blood pressure measurements
- Smoking status review to offer support if needed
Some checks, like diabetic eye exams, may happen separately at local eye clinics. These are critical to detect diabetic retinopathy early and protect your sight.
Why These Checks Matter
Missing checks, especially urine tests, foot exams, or eye checks, can increase your risk of serious complications. If appointments are hard to access, don’t feel guilty about following up—your GP or diabetes team is there to help.
Tips for staying on track:
- Take your urine sample at the surgery if carrying it around is tricky
- Arrange transport or support for diabetic eye checks if driving isn’t possible
- Wear easy-to-remove footwear and socks to speed up foot checks
Early diagnosis and management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and other complications can significantly reduce the risk of serious foot problems, including ulcers and amputations.
Expert Foot Care in the Cotswolds
For professional advice and personalised care, contact the Head Clinician at Bourton Podiatry, one of the most respected podiatrists in the Cotswolds:
📞 Telephone: 01451 824301
🌐 https://bourtonpodiatry.com/contact/
Regular monitoring, early intervention, and expert care help keep your feet, eyes, kidneys, and heart healthy, so you can enjoy life in Cheltenham, Cirencester, Gloucester, Oxford, and the wider Cotswolds.Courtesy of diabetes.org.uk